Michael Agapitos Michael (22 September 1922 – 6 May 2016) was an Australian local government politician. He was Lord Mayor of the City of Perth in the 1980s. He died aged 93 on 6 May 2016.[1]

Mick Michael
Lord Mayor of Perth
In office
1982–1988
Preceded byFred Chaney, Sr.
Succeeded byChas Hopkins
Personal details
Born
Michael Agapitos Michael

19 September 1922
Died6 May 2016(2016-05-06) (aged 93)
CitizenshipAustralian
Military service
Branch/serviceRAAF
Years of service1942–1946
RankCorporal

Early life

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He was born in Perth, Western Australia to Jack Michael and Ourania Zempilas, Greek immigrants.[2] His father was a World War I veteran, having served in the Australian Army before becoming a fruit barrow owner and later a grocery shop.[2] He attended Highgate Primary School and later Perth Boys' but left to work in the family business when he was fourteen.[2] One of his brothers is Ken Michael, ex-Governor of Western Australia.[3]

In 1940, Michael enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force, serving until 1946.[4][5] He was a member of 77 Squadron, and was posted to Darwin and saw the Japanese air-raids.[2] He was trained in the RAAF as an electrical fitter.[2]

Business career

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He owned M.A. Michael Pty Ltd, supplying electrical equipment to businesses in Western Australia and Victoria.[2]

Political career

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He became a councilor in 1967 with the Perth City council.[2] Michael became Lord Mayor of Perth between 1982 and 1988.[6]

Marriage

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He was married twice, first to Shirley Smith in 1946 but ended in divorce in 1951 but produced a son.[2] He remarried Adel Wallace in 1958 having a further three sons.[2]

Honours

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Michael was award the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1982 for services to local government.[7][8] Other honours included being made a Freeman of the City of London and the City of Perth.[2]

The Mick Michael Reserve, on the corner of Vincent and Charles Streets in West Perth is named after him.[9]

References

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  1. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-west-australian/20160706/281814283185694. Retrieved 23 March 2018 – via PressReader. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cornish, Patrick (6 July 2016). "Batsman for cultures". West Australian. p. 83.
  3. ^ "inHerit - State Heritage Office". inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Michael, Michael". World War Two Nominal Roll. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  5. ^ "MICHAEL Michael Agapitos (Mick) OAM". Highgate RSL. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Sister Cities: Megisti - Greece". City of Perth. Archived from the original on 19 May 2009. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  7. ^ "MICHAEL, Michael Agapitos - OAM". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  8. ^ "MICHAEL, Michael Agapitos - Centenary Medal". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  9. ^ "Mick Michael Reserve". City of Vincent. Retrieved 1 March 2014.